2019 US Bank Center Milwaukee Stair Climb

2019 US Bank Center Milwaukee Stair Climb for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
47 Floors 981 steps
1st Overall 4:57 

US Bank Center, Milwaukee WI

The US Bank Center is the tallest building in Milwaukee and stands at 601' at 42 floors tall. The race however starts 5 floors down in the bowels of the building which makes the climb itself 47 floors. The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation event is the second event of the year in this building. The American Lung Association hosts an event in March. The CF climb is set on a rare Thursday night with a 6pm start time.

Its been 8 years since Ive done this event. The last time I was here I clocked a course record 4:50. Since it's more or less my off season from running that means I'm typically in the stairs training. Its been a few years since I've strung together a "stair climbing season" though. Since I'm jumping back in the stair climbing game I figured I'd better get some racing under my belt. Not being able to go up to Chicago's Willis climb the previous week I was itching for a climb. I was off work that Thursday and decided to make the 4+ hour drive to Milwaukee. Got up to Milwaukee just as the sun was setting, found the building, checked in, got one warm up climb in and by that time is was time to go outside for a jog. Mile out and back with Hal and Bridget Carlson. Got back kind of pressed for time. Rushed through some warm up drills in a hallway. Waited till 6:10 to head down to the basement to the start line. Its quite a maze to get down to the start. Got down there and it was just Mark and KC warming up. Where is everybody. Its a 6:10 elite wave start. A few minutes later the entire wave came down and we were off.

I was first in the stairwell. Ahhh i remember now what this felt like. 47 floors is a weird distance for pacing. Its not a 32 floor running sprint like the Hilton in Springfield and its no uptempo speed walking power hike of the Willis. I basically tried to settle into a fast tempo on the short flights with a slightly slower turn on the landings. Floors 17-30 are carpet, yes carpet. So that slowed things down a bit. Here I switched to a fast paced power hike really pulling on the railing. Its hard to stay fast on carpet in my opinion. I couldn't pivot my foot on the landing like I can on metal or concrete. At 30 I tried to go back to a quicker climbing technique but if you've ever done a stair climb you know how it goes. I just started to fight tooth and nail anyway possible to just keep moving forward and up. By 38 its practically over with. Fought a couple more flights and finished on floor 42. Stopped my watch at 4:59 after stumbling across the timing mats. I remembered from 2011 and hearing from

Results Top 5 Men/Women

others in years past about the timing issues so I remembered my watch and to actually start and stop it just in case. Then just as I remembered as I was walking the observation deck around the top floor the hacking set in. This stairwell in my opinion is the worst for some reason. As I type this up 5 days later Im still fighting throat issues. No wonder I haven't been back in 8 years. None the less it was a fun climb. About the same as I remember 8 years ago but I don't remember it hurting that much. In 2011 I was probably in the best stair climbing of my life. So the fact that I was only 7 seconds of my PR i couldn't be too upset about. Its good to be back in the stairwell and see all the familiar faces. Next up, probably Bop to the Top in Indianapolis then AON Chicago the week after. Congrats to altho who raced and raced money for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Its always a good thing doing something you love for a good cause.

Results: http://onlineraceresults.com/race/view_race.php?race_id=70952#racetop

Strava: https://www.strava.com/activities/2865592798

2019 Rockin' Rockwoods 53k

2019 Rockin' Rockwoods 53k
Greensfelder Park, Wildwood MO

33 Miles 5,200' elev. gain
1st Place Overall, 5:14:38

Ever since I started racing ultra events I haven't done the same race twice. Just for the sheer fact that there are so many races out there to do. But when you fall in love with a course...you run that course again. Rockin' Rockwoods 53k has one of those courses. Located in Greensfelder Park in Wildwood MO, just north of Six Flags St. Louis sits a trail system in the Rockwood Range that is pretty spectacular. Most of the event is held on the Green Rock Trail (GRT) as well as the DeClue and Eagle Valley Trail. This particular race boasts a significant net elevation gain at 5,200 vertical feet. By Midwestern standards thats not too shabby for around these parts where we are mostly surrounded by cornfields.
The course is set up with two separate out and backs. The first out and back you head out towards Fox Creek Lane via the Pinhook Hollow Trail, I believe, which I'd describe mostly as ATV type double wide trail. Hit the first aid station out there at about 4.5 miles in and head on back. You run into some people on the way back but the race numbers are kept relatively low and the trail here is wide enough it is no problem. Its actually a nice set up because you get to see people come and go most of the race, which helps. After that you take a right turn onto the Green Rock Trail and start your long out and back. You go down the roughly 1.5 mile stretch to Allenton Six Flags Rd. cross the road and link up to the Declue Trail section. This section is probably my favorite. I like to call it the roller coaster section for two reasons. One you can literally hear the roller coasters and people screaming at Six Flags and two the trail feels like a roller coaster. Lots of twists and turns and rolling sections. After that you hit another aid station and that connects you to the long stretch out to Glencoe Rd via the GRT. Hit that aid station and head on back the way you came.

The Race:
I went into this years race feeling fit and confident. With last years race in the back of my mind I was kind of basing this years race off of that performance. Last year I was injured for the majority of the year and really didn't start running well until August. I tapered a bit for the race last year as well. I ended up running a 4:29 and felt fantastic. So this year I was feeling good but really didn't taper and Ive actually had a full season of racing under my belt. The night before I was intending to camp out the back of my Xterra in the park. The high temps and humidity had me sweating in the back of the Xterra at 8pm. This was not good. I knew Id get no sleep this way. Started the car up and headed back into town and found a hotel room. Much better. I was able to shower and get in some AC and watch the Cardinals game, perfect. Got in some good sleep as well. Woke up at 4:30 and ate a banana with peanut butter, a heed bar, 1/2 cup of black coffee, and an organic fruit roll. Stretched out for a bit, laid back down, and got some stuff ready. Checked out and then headed to the race at 6:10ish. Picked up my packet in the dark. Got back to the car and started getting stuff ready. Just enough daylight was creeping in to where I didn't need a headlamp in those opening miles.

Horn went off and we were straight in the woods on a narrow rocky path. Ran the opening mile with JP and we chatted a bit. The first out and back was littered with what felt like thousands of spider webs. I decided to pick up some sticks and run with those for at least till the turn around hoping on the way back they'd be knocked down. One of the prices you pay for leading I guess. Hit the first aid station at Mile 4.5. Just shouted out my bib number and I was off. No need for food or water this early. Headed back up the Fox Creek Lane climb segment and started running into the rest of the field. Got to the right turn onto Green Rock and took my first GU at about mile 7. Headed down towards Allenton Rd. and hit the second aid station. Here I refilled my 12 oz. handheld with Heed and was on my way. At an hour and half I took my first salt tablet. I basically continued that intake process the rest of the race. GU every hour and a salt tablet every hour, offset from each other by 30 minutes. Felt good on the DeClue section. Kept telling myself...smooth is fast, fast is smooth. I was basically just trying to find a good rhythm here. Goal was to feel real good going into the last 13 miles after the turn around. At mile 16 shortly after the middle aid station I started to feel off. My climbing legs weren't there and I found myself power hiking a couple of the steep sections on the way out. I did not remember power hiking up these last year. Continued on and still just could not find a rhythm on the GRT section. Got to the turn around. Refilled the handheld and even took a couple sips extra before capping it off. Headed back and just felt weak and slow on the uphills and unsteady on the downhills. It had started to rain a bit on this section making the already unsteady rocks slick. Making the downhills rougher than usual. Got out of GRT and hit the middle aid station again. Somebody said I was looking good but I sure didn't feel that way. Looked at my watch and knew Id be lucky to get under 5 hours this years. Took a shot of Coke looked at the table of food and nothing looked appetizing to me at that moment so I headed out. Walked the steep rocky section up to Scenic Loop Rd. then dipped back into the DeClue section. Started to roll a bit here hoping Id find some leg speed and pick things up but it never really came. I was moving forward on the coaster section and I could hear the screams so I knew I was getting close but this section folds back on itself so much it can be quite demoralizing when your just ready to be done. I was just looking for that little opening in the trees where the power lines are and I knew I was close then.

Got to the last aid station and just cruised it in. Told myself, no walking on this last section. Came across the finish and was glad to be done. Happy to win consecutive years as well even if this year was close to 45 minutes slower. I was still happy with the day and the effort. It was rough conditions this year and a congratulations goes out to all who toughed out a hard course in rough conditions. Shalina and her crew of terrain trail runners always puts on awesome events. This is definitely one of the toughest 50ks in the Midwest for sure. Always enjoy the challenge. You never what kind of hand you're going to get dealt in an ultra. All you worry about are the things you CAN control. If you worry about the weather of trail conditions or what others are doing you're setting yourself up for failure. All you can do is take it a minute, or a mile, or to the next aid station at a time. Break it down into more controllable pieces. Till next time.

Results: https://ultrasignup.com/results_event.aspx?did=64445

Strava: https://www.strava.com/activities/2747150127

2019 Howl At The Moon 8 Hour Ultra

2019 Howl At The Moon 8 Hour Ultra
Kennekuk Cove County Park 
August 10th 2019
1st Overall, 60 Miles

No this is not the Howl at the Moon Bar and Entertainment Venue. If your looking for that you might be greatly disappointed showing up to a field with tents and crazy people wanting to run for 8 hours. Upon a simple Google search for the race one might do a double take on what they typed in. One might also get weird looks during office chatter when you tell them you're doing 'The Howl' over the weekend.

The Howl at the Moon 8 Hour Ultra is one of the longest standing timed ultras in the United states...I believe, might want to double check me on that. This event is held in memory of Scott Hathway and in honor of ultra marathon legend Rob Apple. This event is also held in the lava fields of eastern Illinois in the middle of the hottest month of the year. In years past the course was on a 3.19 mile loop. This year they added a little detour out to the barn that adds a little steep downhill and a path that meets up to the old course making it a 3.5 mile loop. And yes this new course still had the "Howl Hill of Death." Which by the way I made it my goal not to walk that thing on any of the loops. If I remember right I walked it once after my charlie horse episode around mile 40. Every time up that hill I was tempted with chowing down on watermelon. Aid stations and time keepers were awesome and made the day go by easier.

I've been wanting to do this race for a few years now. I've also had my eye on breaking the course record that has been standing since 2004. Record is held by Howl legend Scott Colford with 61.72 miles. This year I was able to train well for it and put it all out there to go for the record and was on pace for 40 miles or so. Once the temperatures started to heat up the wheels started falling off slowly. I was able to move forward just a much slower clip than I wanted to be at.

2019 Results

Race kicked off at 7:30 a.m. Weather was clear with temps starting at 68ish and warming up to 84 and sunny. Goal was to stick to my own pace of 7:15-7:30's for as long as I can. Horn went off and Zachary Pligge went out pretty hard and was holding 7:00 pace early on. He gapped me and I lost sight of him for a while. It wasn't until mile 24 or so when I saw him again. I came down the hill after the new aid station by the barn, turned the corner and saw him running backwards. Wasn't expecting that. Ran with him for a bit and then continued on. Around 33 I hit my first low spot but was able to push forward. My average slowed a bit but I was still moving forward. Around 40 I got bit by one of those charlie horse snakes, just reached up and bit me in the left hammy. Hurt bad enough it brought me to the ground. Just played there rolling around on the path trying to stretch it out. Someone came by and helped me to my feet. I walked for a little bit then started to run again. After that I was holding 9:00 mile pace steadily. Unbeknownst to me Zach was moving well again and was gaining ground.  Got back to the start finish line at mile 55 and had a descion to make. Start on the out and back or continue and do one more loop. I had about 31 minutes to run the last loop. I had been running 25-28 minute loops all day. But if something went wrong, like another charlie horse , and I didn't make it back in time my loop would not count. At this point I had no idea Zach was so close and he decided to opt for the out and backs. I decided to go for it and ran the last loop solo. Nobody else was out on the course at this point, which felt weird being out there all alone after seeing tons of people all day. Got back and had 2 minutes to spare. So i headed out to try and squeak in an out and back. Got done and clocked in 60 total. A mere 1.72 miles shy of the record. Still felt good about the effort and the day as a whole. It wasn't my type of course to be honest and was quite miserable at times. But the people and the atmosphere made it fun and enjoyable. Shout out to my dad for crewing me, with him I wouldn't have been able to keep moving through the aid station 'tent alley'. Congrats to all those who ran and toughed out a hot day.

Food Intake: Basically stuck to a Vanilla Bean GU and salt tablet every hour. Drank Heed electrolyte out of my 12oz. handheld. Took in 2 organic Apricot fruit rolls, and 1 squeezable baby food.

Top 5 Males

                                                                                                                                             

Results Link: http://kennekukroadrunners.com/results/

Strava Link: https://www.strava.com/activities/2608148176

2019 Galena Sky Trail Race

2019 Galena Sky Trail Races
8hr & 4hr 
Ornery Mule Racing 
Chestnut Mountain Resort
Galena, IL
May 18th, 2019

I first heard of the Galena Sky Trail Race, as most of us probably do, scrolling through the endless pages of races on the interwebs. Looking to see which race tickles our fancy or to see which race is going to satisfy our inner masochist.

After the Ozark Foothills 50 in April I was kind of in a post race funk and really didn't know where to go from there. I was just maintaining fitness with no real future goal in mind. I first decided to sign up for the Howl at the Moon 8hr Ultra in Kennekuk State Park near Danville IL on August 10th. After that I was on the hunt for a race somewhere in between and the Galena Sky Trail Race 4 hour was screaming my name. I knew Galena was a beautiful area right on the bluffs of the Mississippi River. So I figured the race venue, being on a ski resort, would be a perfect place for a race. Also, the fact that it was a 4 hour race would be a good medium to gauge for an 8 hour race in August. Coupled with the fact that it was a noon start; I clicked the register button.

With just under a 4 hour drive from Springfield IL I left the house right before 7am. This would give me plenty of time to get up there and get settled in and warm up. I had checked the weather forecast a couple days ago and it looked promising. Yet as I got closer to the Quad Cities I saw some dark clouds to the West so I checked the forecast again. Thunderstorms were moving in for the next couple hours. Pulled into the resort around 10:30 and it was pouring, as I watched some of the 8 hour runners powering up a hill.  Killed some time in the resort watching the weather radar update.  Looked like skies would clear right around noon, perfect.

I found a nice spot to warm up a bit in the ski rental area. Headed out to the start line with 60 other like minded people ready to join the 8 hour runners in the suffering. Got going on the first loop, not knowing anything about the course layout. I was just going to feel it out as I went. The loops were advertised on the website as 2.75 but were told they were closer to 2.99 with a .68 mile out and towards the end. I thought the loops were going to be monotonous but the course layout and views made it just fine. Each loop was around 21-22 minutes early on and 23-24 later on.


Loop Splits: 20:39, 21:28, 21:06, 21:08, 21:56, 21:04, 22:05, 22:47, 23:52, 24:37, 2x.68 out/backs

I did like how the timing company made you aware of what your previous loop was so you could
gauge yourself for that last loop. With each loop you got to go through the main event area twice which really helped with moral. And not to mention the guy who screamed every, literally every time, someone ran by keeping spirits high. How he had a voice still by the end of the race amazes me. I got through the first hour feeling good and just continued the same pace, hovering around 7:30s, for the 2nd hour. The 3rd hour I was in and out a bit. I loved the constant flow of energy throughout the race from the volunteers and other runners. There was constant encouragement the entire time. The course had a good flow to it and was broken up by two really cool views of the Mississippi 900' below. With the rain that came in early on it made the course a bit muddy but turned tacky real quick with the warming temps and mugginess. I knew the course would be hilly but it ended up being a bit hillier than I imagined. Just enough punchy hills to tax you during the end. I told myself no walking though, and I stuck to that promise. Got to the 4th hour and was midway through a loop. Got in my last full loop right at 3:40 and since the out and back had opened at 3:30, I went straight into the .68 mile out and backs. Here I found a new energy with all the people coming and going. It also helped that it was packed rock and much flatter than the looped course. Got in a couple out and backs and finished with 30.66 on my watch. Timers had me at 32. something (which I think they added on a .68 section I didn't do) With all the wooded switch backs it was probably somewhere in between around 31.25 ish.

My goal was 30+ so Im happy with getting 50k in at 4 hours.

Congrats to all those who finished and battled out the elements. Ornery Mule Racing does it again. They always put on top notch events.

https://www.ornerymuleracing.com

Strava: https://www.strava.com/activities/2378377358

Results: https://ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=59208

2019 Ozark Foothills 50

2019 Ozark Foothills 50/50k/25k
Greensfelder County Park, Wildwood Missouri
April 6th, 2019
Terrain Trail Runners Event 

Ozark Foothills 50
1st Place Overall 7:17:47 (CR)
(6,000 ft. net gain)

Start Line

I've always said-the hardest part about an ultra is getting to the starting line. Any time I'm able to toe the line and race I feel thankful. There have been enough lows in my running career to where I truly appreciate the chance to be healthy and run. Leading up to the Ozarks Foothills 50 I had my bumps and bruises and there were a few lingering ailments that I was worried would rear its ugly head during the race. In the end I was able to put together a solid effort and string together some good miles to cross the line.

The Terrain Trail Runner Event group based in   St. Louis County have been putting this event on since 2015 with two race options (50k & 25k). This year they were offering up a 50 mile distance. Anybody who has run at the Greensfelder County Park/ Rockwoods Reservation Area knows that putting a 50 mile event on those trails would be tough. The course boasts a generous 6,000 ft. of net gain and a 3 loop outline; 50k has 3,800 ft. net gain, and the 25k with 1,900 ft. net gain. Lots of rolling single track with a few longer sustained climbs to keep the mountain goat in someone entertained and enough rocks and roots to keep you on your toes. The course is just north of Six Flags St. Louis. So close that you can hear the screams from people riding the roller coasters. As a matter of fact I always knew I was getting close to the last section of the loop when I could hear the coasters, which was reassuring and reviving in a way. The 50 mile went off 30 minutes before sunrise at 6 a.m. which required a headlamp for the first short loop. The 50k and 25k distances went off at 7 and 7:30 a.m. The 50 would be 3 loops, the 50k 2 loops, and you guessed it the 25k was a single loop. Each loop is broken up nicely too by sections and in an ultra that can help tremendously mentally and in terms of refueling. The 50 started with a Dogwood Trail Loop (2.3 miles) then wrapped back around to the start/finish line and then headed out on the 3 loops.

Ozark Foothill 50

The Scenic Overlook section was 5.5 miles and took you up the highest point in the race to a nicely placed aid station. Climbing up to this aid station each time got harder and harder. On the first time up the punchy 300 ft. climb I was with Zach Merrin and Jeff Browning and wondered and even asked who'd be power hiking this on the last loop?  The race went out with a group of 4, with Sam Wells settling into an easier pace. He, for the record ran the Ohio Big Backyard 2 weeks prior putting 110 miles on the legs and still toed the line here, and finished...crazy! The group of three then entered the Screaming Eagle section (7.3 miles) still close together. This section fittingly named because of the views and sounds of the coasters on this section. Towards the end of this loop Zach and I pulled away a bit and entered back into the Dogwood Loop before heading back into the start/finish area (18.3 miles) where we would set out on our 2nd loop. Zach ended up running right through, grab and go. I stopped for a second and restocked my handheld and shorts pocket with gels and food to get me through a loop. He gapped me by about a minute or so heading into the 2nd loop. At this point Jeff was in 3rd a few minutes back still moving well. I lost sight of Zach for a few miles and didn't catch a glimpse of him until mile 24 or so heading up a steep road section before the Screaming Eagle Section. At mile 26 I finally caught and passed him. I finished up the 2nd loop with the lead and headed back into the start/finish area once again (34.3 miles). Grabbed my aid bag supplies and tried to move quickly through the aid station walking and packing things up. I knew I had to continue to move. At this point being in the lead with 16 miles to go with two very good runner behind you, all I could think was that they were closing on me and they were starting to feel good. I was worried that Jeff was pacing the first couple laps and would really hit the last loop using his experience to make a charge while I slowed a bit that last loop. And I still figured Zach was moving well because he's an experienced runner especially at the 50 mile distance. I just focused on the things I could control and that was focusing on myself and just keep moving forward. At mile 42 entering back into the Screaming Eagle section I hit a low spot and found myself power hiking up the short steep section here and there. All I could wonder was if they were doing the same. Got to the last aid station and knew all I had was 3.2 miles left. At this point I was power walking more than I would have liked and I was hurting. Got into the last loop on the Dogwood Trail, 2.3 miles left. Just keep moving and you have this in the bag, I was telling myself. This section seemed to go on forever. I was just looking for familiar landmarks that told me I was close to the finish. Got to where you could see the pavilion on the hill and I could hear the people cheering. A huge rush of joy came over me as I entered the last little section heading into the finish.

Ultras are a lot like life I've learned. You have goals and you work towards them, taking things as they come and working through them. You can have a bad day just like a low spot in a race but you just worry about the things you can control and just keep moving forward. I went into this race slightly banged up. With a finicky spot on the inside of my knee and 2 weeks of sinus congestion that got into my chest a bit I was just waiting for something to rear its ugly head during the race. Out of all things it was a bothersome left achilles for some reason and a side stitch mid race I had to work out. But I trusted my training and prep and just worked through it as it came.

Overall it was an amazing day on the feet. Im glad I was invited to do this event and thanks to Shalini and her crew of Terrain Trail Runners who yet again put on an amazing event. The aid stations are always great and accommodating and the course is always marked well leaving no doubt where to go. Congrats to all those who ran and completed any of the distances. It was a beautiful day that day and the after race food and drinks and atmosphere were perfect. Till next time, happy trails!

Results: https://ultrasignup.com/results_event.aspx?did=60288#id1563487

Strava: https://www.strava.com/athletes/2617345

Ozark Trail 100

OT100
4th Overall 22:07:00

I guess I should start off by explaining, the why? For some reason I knew I wanted this race to be my first 100 miler. There’s something about the Ozark area and the trails in Missouri that I’m drawn to. After completing a 50 mile MTB race on the OT I’ve been messing with the idea of doubling the OT100MTB and OT100 trail race. I wasn’t able to do the MTB portion of this challenge but looking back now I’m ok w/ that. Why the 100 mile distance, because it’s a true test of the human spirit I think. I wanted to test myself and push my physical and mental capability. 

Training leading up to the race wasn’t your typical 100 mile training program by any means. I did a 53k a month ago and waited to the deadline to sign up and said screw it, let’s go, why not. I had done a few long runs but that was a while ago and my weekly mileage was laughable for leading up to a 100 mile race. Still I felt I was ready physically and mentally for the challenge. 

The race is a point to point race. After getting some decent sleep in the back of the Xterra at the camp grounds we loaded a bus at 3am and drove for 2 hours to the start. Race started at 6 a.m. which gave us about and hour and a half with our headlamps before the sun came up. I went out with past champs Tommy Doias and Ben Creehan and we settled into a good pace on an out and back section on some fire road to thin out the pack before entering the trailhead. I ran with them for the opening miles and then I quickly noticed my right IT band insertion on the knee was acting up. I figured it would go away as I warmed up but it continued to get tighter and tighter and never loosened up...the entire race. Anyway I found myself in 3rd for a good majority of the first quarter then started going back and forth with 4th place. Got to Gunstock Hollow where my first drop bag was and exited in 3rd and stayed there till about mile 96. Goal was get to Hazel Creek Mile 65.4 before dark which I almost did. Entered in just as I needed a headlamp. Rain was rumored to move in over night so I grabbed my hat and rain jacket refueled and I was out. Night running, especially on the OT, is definitely a unique experience. I was in complete solitude, except for the aid stations, from mile 60-96. Alone in the woods with my headlamp and my mind playing tricks on me. It was pretty rough going at night. The constant focus to not miss a turn. The non stop stubbing of the toe on hidden roots and rocks is enough to drive one insane. When you stare at a light bouncing off passing objects in the dark for so long it’ll start to mess with you. At this point it was just a matter of stocking up enough fuel to get me to the next aid station. Each aid station carried between 5.3-9.6 miles apart. Nutrition wise I think I nailed that. I continued to pee all race which was good. I got a good mix of solids and liquid gels throughout. No stomach issues. With 20 to go by legs really started to go but I was still moving forward we’ll, if that makes any sense. I knew I’d finish. If it meant walking most of the damn thing I would have. But it was really at Berryman 78.6 mile checkpoint that I though damnit your actually gunna finish this thing. 

Overall, unbelievable experience. Really happy with the result. Choosing this course for my first 100 was rough but I got er done and really enjoyed it. I enjoyed the pain and placing myself in unfamiliar territory. I think that’s why we do this. To feel alive and know that somethings there inside of us wanting to be pushed and tested. Will I do another 100? Yes. But not for a very long time.

* The results have me listed as 23 hour 07 minutes. With the time change that night I think they got messed up. My watch had me at 22 hours and 5 minutes. Not sure if it was my watch that didn't "fall back" or if the timing results didn't account for the time change. 

Strava Link: https://www.strava.com/athletes/2617345#interval?interval=201844&interval_type=week&chart_type=miles&year_offset=0

Results Link: http://ozarktrail100.com

2018 Rockin' Rockwoods 53k

2018 Rockin' Rockwoods 53k
1st Overall 4:29:21 (CR)
33.2 miles 

Heading back on Green Rock Trail

2018 was a rough year for the most part. The front end was littered with injuries and the recovery process seemed to linger on forever. Come mid July I was able to start stringing together some decent runs and come late August I was itching for a race. I jumped in a couple small weekday trail races in St. Louis and was feeling good. Yet I wanted something bigger, longer and more challenging before 2018 ended. I'd been injured all year and just wanted to race again. 
Like most ultra runners I got on ultrasignup.com and tried to find something that was somewhat close to home. I came across the Rockin' Rockwoods 53k. I had heard about it before and that it was a challenging course and I knew of the trail system. I decided to sign up and go for it. My training leading up to the race was anything but consistent. It was a mix of light running and cross training. Far from a build up of my normal liking going into a race. None the less it was better than what most of the year had been and all I wanted to do was run. 
Pre Race
Got down to Greensfelder State Park the day before and the plan was to camp out in the back of the Xterra. I was able to get on some sections of the course and preview a couple of the trails. Got in a few easy miles becoming one with the course. Stopped at a Subway and got some dinner then stopped at Walmart to grab some breakfast supplies for the next morning. I debated on sleeping in the parking lot of Walmart but that ended up being too busy and bright. Ended up driving back to Greensfelder and found an open camp slot to park in. Slept pretty well the night before; as well as one can in the back of an SUV the night before a race. Woke up 3 hours before the start to eat and had my usual banana with peanut butter, dry cereal and a couple fruit strips. Laid back down for an hour or so and then back up an hour before the start. Moved around a bit stretching out in the parking lot and then hit up a small warm up and headed to the start line. 
Race

Green Rock Trail

Went into the race relaxed and confident in my abilities. Plan was to just work into the run and go into the last few miles feeling good. The way the course was set up; I wanted to able to feel good and really start moving the last 13 miles after the turn around on Green Rock. Started out with Jon the opening miles on the Fox Creek out and back. At the turn Fox Creek turn around I decided to start picking it up. From there it was solo effort to the finish. Because of the nature of the course I was able to see others on the out and backs which was nice and made time go by a bit quicker. 
Unfortunately my Garmins GPS malfunctioned after mile 4. All my splits registered for the entire race but GPS wasn’t picking up I guess. Would have been nice to see some segments show up. Overall really excited about the day. Everything clicked mentally and physically. ood intake was perfect. GU and salt tablet every hour, 1 squeezable baby food at 2:30, 12oz. of heed drink every aid station/5-7miles or so, 2 organic fruit rollups, 1 electrolyte chews, 5 GUs total. Didn’t spend much time in the aid stations, just enough time to fill my bottle and go. Lots of rocks, roots, horse poop, rollers and a few shorter sustained climbs. Never hit any low spots. Stayed under control the first 10, 10-20 I just focused on staying fast but relaxed still not pressing too much. I wanted to be able to slowly pickup the pace on the way back if I was feeling good. I decided to start going for it when I entered back into Camp Wyman, figures there was close to 7 left here. Really felt smooth through there. Was just looking for the road, knew there’d be only 1.5 miles left from there. Hit the road and went ballz out, 6:38 last mile over rocky uneven terrain. Not gunna lie, I wouldn’t have been surprised if old aches and pains reared it’s head today but they didn’t. Just stayed within myself early on and was really happy I could press towards the end. 1 hour and 4min. ahead of the previous record.

Strava Link: https://www.strava.com/activities/1873925289

Results Link: http://ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=64445

2018 Racing Schedule

2018 Tentative Racing Schedule

Frozen Gnome 50k                       Cyrstal Lake, IL            Jan. 13th  
Louisville Loving Hills 50k         Louisville, KY               Feb. 10th
Castlewood Cup 15k                    Ballwin, MO                  Feb. 24th
Hilton Stair Climb                        Springfield, IL               Feb. 25th
US Snowshoe Championships     Woodford, VT               Mar. 9th          A Race
Yamacraw 50k                              Streams, KY                 Apr. 7th           A Race
Quest for the Crest 50k                 Burnsville, NC             May 19th         A Race
Afton Trail 50k                             Afton, MN                    July 7th
Howl @ the Moon 8hr                  Danville, IL                  Aug. 11th         A Race
Rock Cut Hobo 50k ?
Rock/Creek Stumpjump 50k?
      
 

Hennepin 50

Hennepin 50 
Sterling, IL to Wyanet, IL (Hennepin Canal State Trail)
3rd Place Overall, 6:51:13

My first 50 miler in the books! The Hennepin 50 caught my eye at the beginning of the year and I knew it'd be a good fit for my first 50. Its flat & fast just like they advertise. Its a unique point to point race in NW Illinois that starts at Sinnissippi Park in Sterling IL and follows the Hennepin Canal State Trail along the Hennepin Canal straight south to Wyanet IL. The day was wet and rainy with a gusty head wind the entire route. The course was actually in really good shape considering all the rain the night before.

Training for this race went decently well. The weeks and months prior I was more focused on and training for the US Trail Half Championships the week before this race. So my training was more geared towards that race with a few 50 mile training runs and workouts in there. None the less I went into the race confident in my ability and felt nice and relaxed. Going into a 50 mile race was a lot different than any other race I prepared for. I felt calm but prepared for what the day had to bring, good or bad. One thing I knew for sure is that DNF'ing was not an option. Whether I felt great of terrible it didn't matter I was going to finish. I did have a couple lofty goals going into the race. I wanted to win and set a new CR. I did in fact go under the old CR but so did two others and they just happened to be faster than me that day.

The Race: 
The race goes off with all distances starting together (50k, 50M, 100M & 100 Relay) all with different color bibs. In the opening miles I got out in fourth place with two relays and one 50 miler ahead of me. I hovered around seven minute mile pace for the first 10 or so. I ended up catching third place around mile nine. I went through 10 miles in roughly 1:10:00. Around mile 11 the eventual winner of the 50 miler and myself moved into 1 2. Between miles 12 and 19 I slowly close the gap on the leader and we ran together for a short while and then he ended up pulling away again. Going through mile 25 was interesting mentally for the fact that you were only halfway done. I went through mile 25 in 2:54:00 and the marathon distance in 3:02. At this point the leader was a couple minutes ahead of me but I could still see him on some sections of the trail. At mile 29 I came across an overpass and noticed that he was walking. So at this point I passed him and continued to move well but was slowing slightly. Mentally it was nice to be in the lead and I just kept thinking to just maintain my pace and keep moving forward. By the mile 32 aid station I was still moving decently well and got to catch a glimpse of my lead. I had a decent lead at this point but my mile average was hovering between 730 and eight minute mile pace but I was still moving forward OK. By mile 36 I really started to feel it. My pace dropped significantly and I started having stomach issues. By mile 40 I was walking. I decided I couldn't just walk so I opted to run 3/4 of a mile and walk a quarter of a mile which seem to work well for a while but at that rate I knew that if the runners behind me were feeling good that they would eventually catch me. At mile 42 roughly the previous leader that I was chasing came back on me and he was looking strong and pulled away relatively quickly. The miles started to get extremely difficult and mentally I was ready to be done. At mile 47 you pass the finish and go on a 5K out and back. I took in some Mountain Dew at this age station and walked out and threw up quite a significant amount of fluid. No wonder I was having stomach problems. One thing that I am proud of that I did was that I was able to run the last 5K on the outing back but unfortunately I got passed at mile 48. At this point I really didn't care all that much I knew that I was going to finish and I just decided to stick with the pace that I was comfortable instead of trying to keep up with him. In some of those closing miles I was also dealing with some sort of tendinitis issue on the outside of my right knee which was frustrating because it would tighten up on me and force me to walk. Hence why I chose the walk run ratio. At the finish line you got to cross a cool canal lock bridge. I was extremely relieved to get to the finish line in my first 50 miler ever. It was a tough day physically and mentally he especially the last 14 miles. I'm proud of myself that I was able to stick with it and keep moving forward because giving up and dropping out was not an option at all for this race one way or another I knew that I was going to finish whether I had to walk it in or crawl it in. The top three males in the 50 miler all ended up going under the previous course record which is pretty cool. Also the race was able to double their attendance from last year which says a lot about this race and the race directors and all the helpers at the aid stations. Mentally like I said the course is rather doll but thankfully the aid stations were a lot of fun and really helpful. The distance itself was completely new to me and in hindsight I know that I went out a little too aggressive. I will take a lot from this race and learn from it and put it to good use for future races. I probably should have stuck around 7 to 715 pace for longer instead of dipping under seven minute mile pace early on to try to close the gap on first place. Overall I'm happy about the day I can't be disappointed in a third place finish in my first 50 miler I have to take it and learn from it and move onto the next one. 

Fueling: 
Vanilla Bean GU (10min prior)
BeetElite 8oz fluid (sip over hr prior)
GU around mile 8
Handheld Nathan bottle was filled w/ Tailwind at certain aid stations.
Cliff Organic Apple/Mango Squeeze 10m ish
EFS Quickshot around 2 hrs.
Another Cliff Organic Apple/Mango Squeeze. I also was taking a salt electrolyte pill every hour. 2 more GUs in there somewhere before mile 36. At aid station 7 mile 32.5 I started taking in cups of Coke and Mountain Dew at the aid stations which eventually all came up at mile 47. After mile 40 nothing would sit well in my stomach especially the GUs.

Strava Link: https://www.strava.com/activities/1219719986

UltraSignUp Results Link: https://ultrasignup.com/results_event.aspx?did=41535

2017 US Trail Half Championships

2017 USATF Trail Half Championships
Hayward, WI (Birkie Trail Festival)
5th Place Overall, 1:14:06 (12.4 miles)

Once I heard the US Trail Half Championships were going to be in the Midwest I had to give it a go. I have wanted to do a trail half or marathon championship race but they have typically been in Moab or Bellingham the past few years.

An 8 hour drive north to Hayward WI wasn't too bad actually and the anticipation of getting to my destination made the trip go by quick. I got into Seeley WI, 4 miles north of Hayward, and checked into my room. The room wasn't ready yet so I decided to go check out the course and get a shake out in. I picked up my bib and went for a short 4 mile run on the course. Im glad I did. I got a good feel for the rolling hills and knew this was going to be a fast race.

Most of the course is typically used for XC skiing in the winter. The course was grassy and wide with lots of short steep inclines and declines, with a 2 mile section of windy single track that takes you up to 1,740 ft. in elevation. There was a modest 1,214 vert ft. of climbing on the course. The field was also not very deep but the competition up front was stout for sure and I knew I wanted to mix it up up front as best I could and see what could happen. The night before was really neat. I got to spend some time with sports best in Joe Gray and Hayden Hawks. Got some really good pizza in me and I was off to bed.

The Race:
The gun went off and I went out feeling good and settled right off the heals of 3rd and 4th place. Joe and Grunewald went out in 1,2 and were pulling away slowly. I stayed in the chase pack of Hawks and Sigl. A couple miles in the chase pack slowly thinned out and they were separating a bit but I could still see them within striking distance. At this point I was just focusing on staying uptempo but in control. Tyler Sigl ended up pulling away out of sight by mile 7 or so but I could still caught glimpses of 4th in Hayden. We entered the 2 mile section of single track that would take us up to the highest point of the race. I caught a glimpse of Hawks and I was closing in on him on the switchbacks. This put some pep in my step and just kept pushing. I tried to close but by the time I got close we were back out onto the wide grass trail heading back to the start/finish line. The last couple miles I was really starting to pick it up bit by bit and had a really nice flow going on the up and downs. The last mile or so was mostly downhill so I opened up my stride and really got after it. We came out of the trees and I could see 4th. I close hard but came up 5 seconds shy. None the less I ran really well and felt great doing it against some stiff competition up front. This was really a breakthrough race for me. I just have to keep putting in the work and keep going to events like this so that I can compete against the best in the sport.

Finish 5th Overall

4th, 3rd, Nancy, me, 2nd 

Top 10 Podium

Strava Link: https://www.strava.com/activities/1209050846

Results: http://birkie.pttiming.com/results/2017btr/?page=1150&r_page=division&divID=2

2017 Evergreen Lake 25k

2017 Evergreen Lake Ultras 25k
Evergreen Lake, Hudson IL
1st Place Overall 1:36:06 New CR (Add 6min. roughly)

With it being two weeks out from the US Trail Half I decided to jump in the Evergreen 25k as a last minute prep. The event is a real nice low key ultra scene on Hudson Illinois Evergreen Lake. Its a 25k loop around the lake that is a good mix of wide grass paths and windy single track trail. The field was small but all I wanted to focus on was staying around 6min mile pace and just getting a good effort in. We started out and I found a good tempo right away. On the flatter grassy sections I was moving pretty well at 5:45's and my pace varied and slowed on the single track. The single track was not fluid at all. At times I felt like a wide reciever cutting post routes around trees. Overall it was nice little event to get going at. I unfortunately cut the course short by 3/4 mile or so toward the end. I came off the road section and came to a 3 way grassy intersection and didn't see any flags anywhere. So I decided to go straight because it looked like the most used path. I kept going and didn't any flags and just said screw it and kept going. I ultimately came across some flags but they were pointing a different direction. I was confused and ended up just following the new flags which led to finish. Well, I got back to the start/finish line and come to find out I was about 6minutes fast. Either way I got the effort I wanted out of the race and it was a perfect prep for the race in 2 weeks.

Strava: https://www.strava.com/activities/1175536698

UltraSignUp Results Link: https://ultrasignup.com/results_event.aspx?did=41337

How to train for the mountains as a flatlander

I thought I'd share with you on how I prepare for a mountain style race while training and living in the flatlands. The reason Im posting this is because Ive had quite a bit of questions on how I train for mountainous events coming from central Illinois. The following is what works for me and hopefully could work for you as well and can be adjusted as needed.

In order to train for a mountain race while living in the Midwest or any other flat terrain type of area you have to commit yourself to the boring training regimen of utilizing a treadmill that is capable of going up to 12 to 15% incline or even preferably one that goes up to 30 to 40% incline. Also you have to train in the stairs if at all possible going both up and down the stairs utilizing these two things along with a few others is really important depending on the distance of the mountain race that you are attempting. You have to scale the durations of your workouts, for example, I have been training for a mountain 50K with over 11,000 feet thousand of climbing so I was on the treadmill and the stairs four hours upon hours. If you are training for a shorter mountain race you need to do shorter more up-tempo sessions. You should also be finding the hilliest possible routes to be getting your easy runs in on or even long runs for that matter. Ideally you also need to be doing supplemental work such as lunges, bodyweight squats and some sort of core and ab strengthening exercises. You need to be diligent about doing core and hip strengthening exercises because more than likely you will be doing a lot of pounding on your body on downhills and having a strong core helps eliminate fatigue and cramping in that area. Lastly, just being in the best possible aerobic shape helps too. Again, making sure your training is geared for the specific distance you are going to be racing. 

I'm sharing this with people because I got this question a lot at the Speedgoat race. I'm sharing these tips so that other flatlanders maybe won't be so intimidated by such a course. It is possible to train for one effectively. Also to maybe challenge yourself to get out of your comfort zone a bit. If anyone reading this had alternate questions or comments please feel free to comment below and maybe I can help, thanks, till next time.

Check out my Strava Link: https://www.strava.com/athletes/2617345

2017 Pikes Peak Ascent

2017 Pikes Peak Ascent
Manitou Springs, CO
27th Overall, 2nd AG 2:54:07

The Pikes Peak Ascent has been on my radar for a couple years now. I actually registered last year for the event but wasn't able to make it out there unfortunately. This year I was able to free up a week and head out West once again for yet another mountain race. But this time I flew out to Denver instead of driving. Took a rental from Denver down to Colorado Springs and stayed with a friend there. Manitou Springs was just a short 15 minute drive from here which was nice. I got in 2 days prior to the race and was able to get a pre race run in and just mill around a bit. Getting into town a couple days prior was key for me in the fact that I wanted to kind of sneak up on the altitude so it didn't have a chance to catch up with me. I was excited and relaxed going into the race. I wanted to race well and stick my nose up front a bit. I knew Id have my work cut out for me racing against people who come from altitude. I wanted to represent well for the flatlanders.  I feel my training was adequate and well planned for the race; its just frustrating because I know I could do much better if only I could train out there in the mountains at altitude. But I can't so I try and make the best of it and find different ways to train for mountain races like this in the flatlands. I also kind of enjoy the challenge of training where I live for mountainous races and competing with some of the best that come from mountainous regions.

The Race:
The race itself was such a neat experience. The course is absolutely unbelievable and it was really really tough. Training on an incline treadmill is good to get you prepared but nothing can quite prepare you for a race like this other than just getting on similar trails. From the gun the race just sends you straight up. The opening mile is on the road that takes you through downtown Manitou and takes you to the trail head. The road section is still slightly uphill. In the opening mile I stuck myself up in the top 10-15 and just tried to find a pace.

Course Layout

The first couple miles my chest cavity just felt tight, maybe a quick altitude shock, but I finally settled in and just found a nice climbing pace. I think I did a good job of staying within myself and not redlining. I knew if I flirted too much with that line that the altitude would come back and bite me and I didn't want to deal with that too early in the race. Up to Barr Camp mile 7ish I was still feeling good and had a good clip going but was still getting passed by runners here and there. After Barr Camp and up to A-Frame I played yo-yo with a couple other runners and up to A Frame I was still moving really well. Once the tree line started to thin out I knew it was about to get real. I just stayed under control and tried to leave a little bit in the tank for the finish. Once the trees cleared and I had 3 miles to the summit it started to get real. My climbing slowed quite a bit but I was still moving forward and hadn't felt a bonk yet. The last mile was atrocious. My last mile was 21 minutes and some change. Which sounds terrible but actually the winners last mile was a high 15 minute mile to put it into perspective. I got passed quite a bit the last mile which is fine, I just tried to keep putting one foot in front of the other. The altitude was really starting to take affect on me and I started to get loopy and hazey. The last 1/2 mile was a lot of scrambling up rocks and boulders which made it tough to stay upright.

At the top

It was also tough because you could here and partially see the finish for the good majority of the finishing climb but it was still so far away. But once I got to the top it was all worth it. Unbelievable views and I had a real sense of accomplishment. Theres a lot of races that I do that I don't get that true feeling of wow I just conquered something extremely tough and with this race I got all that. Climbing a total of 7,815 vertical feet up Pikes Peak is something Ill never forget and I'll more than likely be back sometime soon.

Strava Link:
https://www.strava.com/activities/1141770685

Results:
http://www.pikespeakmarathon.org/Results.shtml

2017 Speedgoat 50k

2017 Speedgoat 50k
Snowbird, Utah
11th Place Overall 6:18:59

Hidden Peak 11,000 ft. 

Im a couple months behind but better late than never on making an entry for my Speedboat 50k race this past July. Id be remiss to not write some sort of race report. This was quite the race and quite the experience and to not recall on the happenings of the cross country journey would be unfortunate.

My journey began in the Midwest with an 03' Xterra, a bag full of running clothes and a cooler full of food. I had the week off leading up to the race so I decided to drive out to Utah. I broke up the drive to make it a bit more tolerable. I went from Springfield -> KC, KC -> Boulder, Boulder -> SLC. I stayed with friends at each stop which made the trip much better. I'd never driven I-70 through Kansas or CO before so I finally got the chance and enjoyed every minute of it...CO I-70 that is not Kansas I-70 that sucked. It was a beautiful day to drive through CO so I made frequent stops at rest stops snuggled in between the mountains. I felt like a kid in a candy shop. I just wanted to climb every peak I saw. I got out to SLC a day before the race and opted to post up in a hotel bed instead of the back of the Xterra. The day before the race I found my hotel and checked in but the room wasn't ready yet. I decided to kill some time and jog around and see the mountain a bit. Snowbird was absolutely beautiful. Typically a hub for skiing and winter sports the resort was transformed into a mid summers outdoor playground.

I had my eye on this race since last year. I had done a few 50k trail races in the past in the midwest but I told myself I wanted the toughest one out there this year. This race did not disappoint. I had never done a race at altitude let alone a 50k mountain race. I feel I trained smart and trained adequately for this event given its grandeur and given what Im accessible to terrain wise. I feel the altitude never really got me because I was able to get there the day before, before my body knew what was going on. I also was smart about my pacing at such an altitude and stayed within myself never going above that redline. I also was able to train in the stairs and on the treadmill at incline quite a bit in order to prepare for such mountainous climbing.

The race itself went perfect. My pacing, food and water intake were spot on. The first 9 miles were straight up to Hidden Peak. Climbing for 9 miles straight right out of the gates made it tough to find a rhythm. For that matter it was hard to find any sort of rhythm at all because you were either bombing down a mountain or climbing it, no in-between. I put myself into the top 15 in the opening miles and once I got to the top of Hidden Peak the first time I felt really good. After that we went down the back side of the mountain and did a loop that took us through fields of flowers, down river beds across streams and back up ridiculous climbs that brought me to a power hike. After the loop out to Pacific Mine we made another tough climb up the ass end of Mt. Baldy to the Tunnel aid station. This climb was ridiculous. It was literally a power march up the back side. So slow my watch wasn't registering mile splits. I wish that was the last climb but it wasn't. We still had to make a long grueling climb up this spine of rock to the top of Hidden Peak once more. I was able to pick off a few runners on the loop and some of the other climbs which was nice but I got passed by the eventual female winner after the top of Hidden Peak #2. I was able to just stride out the remaining miles which were downhill. But those downhills are sneaky in the mountains because their able to sneak in those small steep uphills that by the end of a 30 mile run in the mountains you just want to be done with. None the less I made it back down the resort feeling amazing. It was such an amazing feeling coming out of that race in a new top 10 finish. I felt that much more excited about my result because of where I come from. I was competing with some of the best MUT runners in the sport and to represent from the Midwest was a great feeling.

After the race I went back to hotel to stretch, take a shower and get a bite to eat and just like that I was back in the Xterra and heading back home. I decided to take I-80 on the way back home through Wyoming and Nebraska. I drove for as long as I could that night and stopped in a hotel parking lot in Cheyenne and slept for about 5 hours. Woke up grabbed some breakfast, gas and a coffee and made a final 14 hour push home. It was a rough trip and I was glad to be home sleeping in my own bed and showering in my own shower but the trip itself was also a real adventure. One that led me to places to places I'd never seen and been before. Running has taken me to places I never though Id ever be. Ive gotten to see and experience things Im truly grateful for being able to experience.

Strava: https://www.strava.com/activities/1107643100

Results: https://ultrasignup.com/results_participant.aspx?fname=Justin&lname=Stewart&age=29

2017 Cry Me a River Trail Half

2017 Cry Me a River 13.1
1st Place Overall
1:44:59 (7:25 pace) CR

Some of the steps on the course!

With an open weekend on the schedule and only 3 weeks out from the Speedgoat 50k I knew I had to return to the Illinois River Bluff trails for the third running of the Cry Me a River Trail Event . This event offers you a half marathon, 50k, 100k and if you're brave enough a 100 miler. I picked my poison of running the half. This distance on this course would do me just right 3 weeks out of Speedgoat. A nice hilly race to knockout any remaining cobwebs. The 100 milers started at 5am with the remaining races starting in a 5 minute stagger at 7am. The half went off first. The course first takes you through a 2 mile loop through Camp Waconda around a nice lake. This particular 2 mile loop has some challenges in itself, boasting multiple sets of steps and a few challenging short but steep climbs. I feel like I got off to a good start in the opening loop. I settled into a nice comfortable pace running quick but under control. I came out of the woods and went past the starting area feeling light and fast. Once you're done with the opening loop you're sent back in the woods on a different trail that takes you on an out and back. The course turns even uglier when you're quickly introduced to more challenging longer climbs. Around mile 3-4 there are some nice flat quicker trails that you can stretch out on but after that you're thrown back into the roller coaster of hills that never really let up. On the way out I was feeling great. Staying relaxed but uptempo on the ups, surging at the top and cautious on the down hills I continued my way out to the turn around. In 2015 the tunnel was the turn around point but this year they sent us out a bit further. 'A bit further' felt like forever and the different course had much more climbing in it than in 2015. After the turn around you head on back home. I could start to feel the early pace settling in my legs on the climbs. It felt like a crawl on the ups on the way back. Favorite part of the course would probably have to be the tunnel and the "mud/rock slide" ravine where you traverse a series of wooden bridges that transitions into a narrow dirt path on the spine of this ravine. Heading back you run into other racers which is nice and refreshing. Once you cross the river on the cement blocks you are almost home but not until you climb one more hill. Once you climb that theres a nice downhill into a flat section back to the finish.

Course Map

This event is only in its third year and it continues to slowly grow. Its a hidden gem of sorts. It starts and finishes in a small quaint boy scout camp and the atmosphere is fun and laid back. Its an awesome network of people who just love being out on the trails. And the trail...the trail is unreal. In just 14 miles of running I climbed 2,738 vert ft. The 100 mile race has 23,500 vert ft of climbing, which is unreal for the midwest. The trail itself is well maintained and always in good condition. And the event is directed by Jenna Bahaj who does a great job organizing everything. The event is also timed by Shazam Timing Company who does a great job as well. If you havent done this event, clear your calendars for next year and pick your poison of distance and get prepared for hills and fun. See you next year.

Race Link: http://www.crymearivertrailruns.com/home.html

Results: http://shazamracing.com/results/

Strava Link: https://www.strava.com/activities/1073502588